Everything is changing, including how we browse the internet. According to reports, a greater number of people now use mobile devices to browse the web than the number of people using computers. And around 42% of these users download different apps to aid in the process.
Almost all big companies, have dedicated apps now including the likes of YouTube and Starbucks. Around 90% mobile users prefer using apps to visit media instead of going to a website, highlighting the importance of mobile apps.
With growing number of mobile users and businesses offering their own apps, there is no reason why you should not have your own app.
1. Branding
Mobile apps can help increase brand awareness and make people more loyal. It’s simple, when your company’s name or logo is on the user’s mobile screen, they will find it difficult to forget.
Plus, mobile apps come with unique features, such as push notifications, Sat Nav locations. You can remind users of a special offer to attract their attention. Or you can get more personal with notifications like ‘you haven’t had your favourite chocolate in three weeks, open the app to order now. However, such personal branding will work only if you have the right details or understanding with your customer, Data is key to achieve this.
2. Customer Engagement
Apps are an easy way to engage your customer. They can help you do everything from taking suggestions and feedback to having full conversations. People spend close to 30 hours per month on mobile apps. They help take several decisions including ‘what to see’, ‘what to wear’ and even ‘what to eat’ based on app. This gives businesses a great opportunity to engage customers and get the desired outcome. By understanding what your clients want you can offer promotions relevant to them, not just a generic offer.
Since users are already using their mobile, the engagement rate is higher on apps. All they have to do is open the app and you get the desired result.
An easy way to increase engagement is by allowing social media sharing, which will enable users to share your content on social media platforms, bringing you more customers.
3. Get More Customers
The right mobile app can help you get more business. But for this to happen you will have to market the app as well. According to reports, only 40% apps are searched through search engines or mobile app platforms, and more than half the apps are reached through official platforms. So, when you get an app, you must promote it on your other platforms, including your social media pages and official website.
But how does an app help your business if you are having to promote it? The truth is that you are losing on several potential clients by not having a mobile app. Since 49% of Internet users use mobile devices to browse the web, you are losing on a large portion of this 49% since a large chunk of these users will never order from you unless you have an app.
4. Happier Customers with Better Experience
Mobile apps help customers save time and energy. A number of users will not bear the trouble of going to a website to make an order. They want everything with one click. The most popular coffee chain in the world also has one of the most popular mobile apps of all time. In fact, Starbucks could be considered a trend setter in terms of mobile marketing. One of the core, and most popular, features of their app is the store locator that helps users find the nearest Starbucks based on their geographic location. Users of this app can also find discounts and make payments at selected Starbucks outlets.
In addition to this, mobile apps can help you serve customers better. Several universities now allow students to access their transcript and schedules using mobile apps. This removes the need to go to the web allowing students to have an overall better experience. You can also do the same by letting users do more on the app.
You can use mobile apps as the strongest weapon in your arsenal. Having an app will put you in a different league allowing you to cater to more people in a professional manner. Plus, your target audience will also consider you to be serious about business and take more interest in what you have to offer when you have a mobile app.
